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It is common in our daily practice as veterinary surgeons to see dogs presented with pruritus (itchy skin) which is often driving the patient and the owner mad!  Nowadays we often think that an allergy is the most likely cause especially in those breeds in which allergy is common. More and more frequently I see…

Congenital malformations of the vertebrae causing spinal deformity have been reported in dogs and occur during the pre-birth phase. The causes are not fully elucidated, but there is quite a broad opinion that multiple factors such as genetic defects, abnormal vascular blood supply of the vertebrae and insult during the pregnancy are implicated singularly or…

Urinary tract problems are a frequent occurrence in dogs and, in many cases, a clinical examination or diagnostic tests such as blood counts, x-ray and ultrasound are unable to provide a definitive diagnosis. Now, thanks to the recent purchase of a specialised rigid endoscope, we are able to perform keyhole assessment of the bladder and…

Having recently had a case referred to us following an Adder bite, we thought that a reminder about the possibility of this type of injury might be timely. Adders are the only venomous snakes native to the UK. Varying in size from around 40 to 70 cm long, they can be distinguished from other, non-poisonous…

Corneal ulcers are a very common problem in dogs and cats, and can result in blindness and even the loss of an eye. Previously, deep corneal ulcers have generally required surgery to treat them. This, however, can lead to significant scarring and visual impairment. Surgery is also rather costly and always requires a general anaesthetic.…

Those of you who have visited us in recent weeks cannot fail to have noticed the construction works which are now well underway. We have just reached a significant milestone in the building of our new 30,000 sq ft expansion as the first sections of steelwork have been erected. The new facility, which should be…

‘Kennel Cough’ is the common name for Infectious Tracheobronchitis, a highly contagious respiratory infection which can affect dogs throughout the year but is particularly common during wet winter months. Typical signs of Kennel Cough include a harsh, hacking cough, sometimes leading to retching, and a watery, nasal discharge (much like human coughs and colds). In…

With temperatures this summer reaching well over 30°C, dogs and cats are at an increased risk of suffering from the effects of heat stroke.  Unlike us, they cannot eliminate heat by sweating but have to do so by panting and, if this process is not sufficiently effective to keep the their temperature within the normal…

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals – including dogs and cats. It’s usually spread through saliva. When the virus has been contracted, it travels via the nervous system to the brain and causes a variety of signs including sudden changes in behaviour such as restlessness, sensitivity to light,…